Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-01-07
Governor BodWell's Message

mon sense document, as full of facts and
suggestions as such paper possibly can
be. In the small space OF less than five
columns of the Journal. is condensed a
wealth of information in regard TO our
State affairs, with sagacious hints. sug-
gestions, and recommendations
Of great practical value. There
are no paragraphs in the message with
out meaning, none that can be omitted
without taking something OF value from
the document
the financial condition of the State, which
must be very gratifying to all our people.
1t begins with recommendation that the
State tax be reduced by large sum, and
gives the reasons for such recommends
ton. For full and correct information on
this subject we must refer our readers to
ing the operations Of the present sinking
fund 10 close The nominal aggregate
bonded debt Of the State is s., 1871 900
By closing the operations of the sinking
fund and dednciing the amount which it
contains from the nominal bonded debt it
will appear that the actual Indebtedness Of
the State is but S2,799, 349.43 To take
care of this Indebtedness il il recommend
ed that a funding bill be enacted, giving
the State Treasurer authority to sell and
issue thirty year bonds at three per cent
interest, to an amount not exceeding g.
10000. These bonds will absorb the
State debt. and for their ultimate redemp-
fund be established. These and other
measures. explained in the Message, show
the ground upon which the recommended
ton for n reduction Of the State tax is
based. all forming one Ct the most import
ant and satisfactory operatlons.i il the meas
ures proposed be adopted by the legisla-
turc, in the finances OF the State since at
least the close Of the rebellion.
Tho State tax to be levied after the re-
duction of the debt as proposed will be
two and three fourths mills on the
dollar. One mill Of this. the Governor
very properly explains, is tor the school
fund, which is different from an ordinary
State tax, so that for the ordinary expenses
the government of the State there is
actually required only tax OF one and
three quarter mills There are many
other recommendations and suggestions in
the financial part of the Message "a,
for instance-in regard to inequality OF
taxation, Improvement of methods Of
making valuations. relief for towns smit-
ten suddenly by fire or other great calanl-
ties. more frequent revising of the valua-
tion,-which are OF great interest and i'm
portauce to the public welfare.
The Governor speaks very highly of
the management of the Insane Hospital
and suggests that it may be we'll to have
nal insane so that they be not allowed to
minglc with other patients. The Reform
School is mentioned approvingly, and
the consideration of the cottage system
called to the attention of the Legislature.
The condition of the State Prison is
favorably mentioned and some practical
ference OF convict labor with labor out
side of the Prison. The Industrial School
Tor Girls and the Military and Naval Asy-
lum for Orphans at Bath are both COM
mended to the fostering care of the State.
just and generous dealing with the In
dians is recommended. The attention
of the legislature is invited to the subject
Of n separate reformatory for women.
The iabors of the Board of Health are
commended and measures suggested tor
charging its powers and duties. The
enforcement, of our laws for the pres
ervaton of fish and game is urged,
and IL is suggested that an inquiry be
make some provision for the families of
the wardens recently murdered while in
the discharge of their duty.
1t is urged upon the legislature that it
should take steps to prevent the introduce
ton and spread of plcuro
pneumonia among the cattle of
the State. II is also recommend
ed that Congress be memorialized in re-
gard to this disease. and the necessity OF
preventing its spread if possible. The
Agricultural College ii highly mentioned,
and several important suggestions are
made bearing upon this institution and the
farming interest. In educational matters
Maine is represented rs standing in the
front rank. The Governor does not think
it advisable at present to establish institu-
tons for the deaf. dumb and blind, As the
resources now employed are ad quate for
our needs.
The maintenance of the militia system
Is advised, and the hope is expressed that
steps may be taken so that the national
government, out of the abundance of its
resources. may organize and pay the ex-
pense of the militia of the several States
As a means of national defence. The
remarks of the Governor upon this sub